Cost of engine

Jmunk · 10-26-2003, 12:36 AM

I'm looking at a 89 RX-7, how much on average should i expect to pay for a 13B engine ? The motor is shot and the tranny is suspose to be leaking (according to the owner) So how much should i plan to spend on a motor and tranny ? I can install it myself. Also should i just put another 13B in or is there a swap for these cars that is just as cost effectivce ? Thanks.

Soyo · 10-26-2003, 01:01 AM

might as well swap in a turbo II if you've got the funds, no clue on price range though sorry

DavidovSpeedWRC · 10-26-2003, 04:30 PM

The Series 5 (89-91) 13B is probably what you want to stick with. The Turbo II(13BT) swap might be more trouble that you want. Plus the n/a 13B is a little cheaper for a new engine or rebuild.

Check this guy out Rotary Resurrection

rotary911porsche · 10-26-2003, 07:05 PM

Used JDM 1989 Turbo II motors go for around $1200 plus shipping. (Non turbos should be cheaper) If you go with the turbo, you will also need to upgrade the tranny. (I have a 1989 turbo tranny if you are interested.)
You should also upgrade your differential and drive shaft. Also I believe the clutch is different from turbo to NA. You will also need the ECU for a Turbo. Etc. Etc.
In short, it would be cheaper to sell the NA and buy a factory Turbo if that is your goal.
Go to www.torquecentral.com and look for the V8 RX7 Forum. A V8 is a simple swap.
Of course the simplest swap is another NA 13B.

banditkiller · 10-26-2003, 09:28 PM

You can try www.fc3s.org. They wont show that they have anything in stock but they do. Send them an email. They occasionally get the monster 20b. They also sometimes have the sought after 13b re.... Good luck on finding an engine.

Jmunk · 10-27-2003, 12:19 AM

I'm mainly looking for another 13b but don't know where to look.

Jims5543 · 10-27-2003, 08:43 AM

You can get your engine rebuilt too.

Go to this webiste and look up Judge Ito. He has a Rotary performance shop in Jersey. Or at the very least start a thread asking where to get your engine rebuilt near where you live in PA.

http://www.nopistons.com/forums/

Good luck.

rotary911porsche - Why are you so quick to tell everyone to swap in a V-8?? Some of us like rotary engines and actually bought our RX-7's because they have a rotary engine in them. If we wanted a boinger engine we could have bought a Conquest TSI or a Porsche 944.

The only people I tell to swap in a v-8 to are the ones that obviously dont care as long as it goes fast.

rotary911porsche · 10-27-2003, 09:58 AM

rotary911porsche - Why are you so quick to tell everyone to swap in a V-8?? Some of us like rotary engines and actually bought our RX-7's because they have a rotary engine in them. If we wanted a boinger engine we could have bought a Conquest TSI or a Porsche 944.

The only people I tell to swap in a v-8 to are the ones that obviously dont care as long as it goes fast.[/quote]

Quick to tell everyone to swap a V8? If I read my post correctly the FIRST part dealt with a TII swap. One sentence was about a V8. I ended with recommending staying with the NA 13B.

What are you so afraid of? What is wrong with looking at the option of a different engine? The Porsche people flame me for having a rotary in my 911. And yes, it is fast.

The other post you may be refering to inquired about a piston engine swap. Torque Central is a great site that will answer almost all of the questions about a piston engine swap. Go to the site, get an education, then make an educated decision.

Rotaries are great engines! Some people prefer piston engines. Others, like me, think both have their place. If you like your rotary, Great! Enjoy it. Have fun. But don't worry about what other people may be doing with their cars. A V8 swap is ONE option. It is NOT for everyone. But what is the harm in considering it as an option?

Jims5543 · 10-27-2003, 02:17 PM

I am not afraid of anything. I actually again agree with you if someone doesn't care about the fact that they bought a rotary car and just want a fast car go V-8 you cannot beat a LS-1 for power and reliability.

I love all cars. I just sold a mildly tricked Mustang GT Vert to buy my JCW - Mini Cooper. I am going to be in the market next year for a DD for my wife after we sell the Dakota Quad. Considering the Evo or the WRX -STI for that duty.

I have owned old Muscle cars like a 67 and 68 Mustang. Hondas 300ZX's various RX-7's. I am hooked on the Rotary power. I love that I can get so much out of such a small package.

People think a V-8 can be swapped in very cheaply. There are a lot of custom parts that need to be made.I am educated on the swap I have discussed this at great length with an owner of a LS-1 powered RX-7. He has about 500HP in his car. Pretty impressive and it will probably be problem free. Is it for me? Hell no!

I think its pretty crazy you dropped a Rotary in a 911. I would never imagine that working. I know it must have cost you a ton of money. I would love to see pics. Start a thread and post some. I love 911's my cousin let me borrow his race prepped 911 for a day in south Florida. I never felt a car handle like that in my life. They are amazing machines.

Someday I hope to own a 911 of some sort.

rotary911porsche · 10-27-2003, 04:08 PM

Pics at http://web2.airmail.net/atl/Rotary.html
Scroll almost to the bottom of the page. Bright yellow 911 (not 914).

Mhoover · 02-24-2004, 04:45 PM

I am a newbie here and don't want to step on any toes...but I bought my RX7 because I sat in it...drove it once...and said....sell it to me...Rotary is soo quiet I almost sneak up on friends...

My 88's engine just gave out and I am considering just replacing it with another 13B or a 13B turbo depending on how much of a hassle it will be..I am looking more for affordability. But I will say one thing...the mechanic looked at me...said I don't know much about rotaries but you could put a long block in that....and I told him to shut the hell up.

That rotary I had was so fuel efficient and sooo nice...felt like I had a rocket strapped to a beer can...WOOT

M. Hoover

DavidovSpeedWRC · 02-24-2004, 04:58 PM

Just replace it with another 13B, non-turbo.
They are cheaper, easier to find, and A HELL of alot easier to maintain.

Nobody knows about rotary engines, because they are afraid of something that's different.

Learn about them yourself and you won't have to arm wrestle other mechanics to work on it.

Soyo · 02-24-2004, 05:16 PM

why are you posting this in a 4 month old thread? *Sigh* newbies

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